Former Argentina international Ángel Di Maria has publicly called on Lionel Messi to delay any decision to retire from the national team, following Argentina’s heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Spain last weekend.
The loss, which dashed hopes of back-to-back titles, has fueled speculation that the 39-year-old captain may step away from international football for good.
In an interview with TNT Sports, Di Maria dismissed any notion that Messi’s age should factor into his future with the Albiceleste.
“Yes, Leo should continue for as long as he wants. I think he can keep going for many more years,” he said, reinforcing his belief that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains unmatched on the pitch.
Di Maria, who played alongside Messi for over a decade, described his former teammate as the greatest player to ever grace the game.
“At 39 years old, he’s proven he is one of the best and still the best in history, with no ceiling,” added the former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger, emphasizing that Messi’s technical ability and vision have not diminished with time.
The two icons shared a decorated history with Argentina, winning the Copa América in 2021 and the 2022 World Cup together. Di Maria’s plea carries emotional weight, as he himself retired from the national team after the 2024 Copa América, and he appears eager to see Messi extend his legacy rather than exit on a losing note.
While Messi has not yet made any official announcement regarding his international future, Di Maria’s public appeal adds pressure on the veteran superstar to reconsider.
For now, Argentina fans and teammates alike await the captain’s decision, hoping that his storied career with the Albiceleste is not over just yet.
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